Control mechanism for winches



2 Sheets-sheaf l Qi/orn ey I July 29, 1941. R. c. LAMOND CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WINCHES Filed Nov. 3, .1939

Patented July 29, 1941 V TE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR wmonn's' Robert C. La monrL Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to American Engineering Company, Philadelphia,

'Pa., a. corporation of Pennsylvania Application November 3, 1939, Serial No. 302,643

This invention-relates to winches, and'more particularly to the control mechanisms associated with such devices.

One object of the present invention is to pro-. vide an operating mechanism for winches, having a braking mechanism associated therewith which normally holds the operating mechanism against operation, and control means for releasing the brake when it is desired to operate the winch.

Another object is to provide an hydraulic operating mechanism for winches which'is normally held against operation by braking mechanism, and meansforcompelling the release of said braking mechanism before said hydraulic mechanism may be conditioned for operation.

A further object is to provide a novel electric control circuit which enables starting and stopping-of an electric motor, and also an auxiliary circuit which enables operation of the electric motor after the motor starting switch has been opened. r

r A further object is to provide in a hydraulic transmission including a pump and a motor, locking means which prevents adjustment of the pump'from a neutral position prior to the release f-thebrake which normally holds the fluid motor -against operation.

A still further object is to provide a=control mechanism for winches of the electro-hydraulic type, which compels the release of the brake associated therewith before operation may be effected and thereby prevents undue pressure surges in the system.

Otherand further objects will become apparent as the description of the invention progresses.

Of the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a general assembly view of the winch and the operating and control mechanisms therefor, comprising the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational view partly in section of the control wheel for stroking the pump, showing the locking means for the wheel, and thebrake switch operating mechanism associated therewith, the parts being shown in normal position. r

.Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the position of .the parts when the control wheel is released for movement and the brake switch has been adjusted, to closed position.

Fig. 4 is a an, elevational view. of the braking mechanism for the Winch operating fluid motor and the mechanism for releasing the same.

. :Fig. 4A is a plan view of the mechanism shown in.Fig.. 4. Fig. ;5 is va sectional view showing the interlock and brake switch mechanism, and the operating mechanism therefor, and

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram of the electric control system for the electric motor and braking mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral l indicates a winch which is actuated by any suitable hydraulic transmission 2. Hydraulic transmission 2 comprises a fluid motor 3 driven by a pump 4, the latter being driven by any suitable means, such as by an electric motor 5, through the gearing 6. Pump 4 and fluid motor 3 aremounted on a supply or makeup tank S, and may be of the general type shown in Patent No. 1,077,979, to which reference may be had for a complete disclosure thereof.

The shaft 1 of fluid motor '3 has secured at one end thereof a worm gear 3 which meshes with a worm wheel 9,'secured to a shaft H], which is mounted in "any suitable bearings II and 12 provided in the framework of the winch, indicated generally at i3. Shaft Ill has also secured thereto a pinion M which meshes with a large gear [5 secured in any suitable manner to a shaft l6, mounted in bearings l1 and I8 providedin the framework l3. Shaft It has secured thereto a cable-winding drum I9, and the outer end-of said shaft is journaled in any suitablebearing 20 disposed at the outer side of drum l9, as shown in Fig. 1. Upon actuation of drum t9 the cable 21 provided thereon-is either wound in or paid out, as the case may be.

The fluid motor shaft 1 has secured thereto intermediate its ends the drum 22 of a bra-king mechanism 23 which is adapted to be engaged by a pair of brake shoes 24 and 25. Brake shoes 24 and 25 are pivotally secured to pairs of levers 26, 26 and 27, 27, respectively. These levers are pivoted respectively at 28 and 29, to a supporting base frame 30, as shown more particularly in Fig. 4. r

Levers 27, 21 have secured at the outer side thereof an L-shaped bar 3|, having an enlarged opening intermediate the ends of the outwardly extending flange thereof through which the upper threaded portion 3| of a rod 32 extends. The lower end of rod 32 may be attached in any suitabl manner to the base frame 30. Spacer nuts 33 are provided on threaded portion 3|" of rod 32 and are spaced slightly on either side of the flange of bar 3|, thereby permitting a slight movement of levers 27, 21 about their pivot 29. I

Extending through apertures provided at the upper ends of levers 21, 21 are the reduced circular ends 34 of a bar 35. Bar 35 is a-pertured proper operation of said member- 99 by solenoid 43. The enlarged portion 38 of rod 36 is pivotally attached to tiltable member 39 by a pin 46. The upper ends of levers 26, 26 are pivotally attached to the bifurcated ends 47, 47 of levers 46, 48 by pins 49, 49. The other ends of levers 48, 48 extend through apertures provided near the opposite ends of crosshead 31, and nuts 58, 59 secured to the ends of levers 48, 49 engage the outer ends of the said crosshead 37. Surrounding rod 36 and extending between crosshead 31 and an adjustable spring seat 5|, is a coil spring 52.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 4A, levers 26, 26 are pivotally secured to the lower extended portion 53 of member 39 by pins 54, 54. It will also be observed that nuts 55 and 56 are provided near the outer end of rod 36, and engage the opposite sides of bar 35. Consequently any movement of rod 36 in either direction causes a corresponding movement of bar 35 and levers 2T, 27.

From the foregoing description it is seen that upon energization of solenoid 43 the core 42 thereof will move upwardly, thereby tilting member 39. By this action it is seen pins 54, 54 will cause levers 26, 26 to swing about their pivot 28 to the left (Fig. 4) thereby moving shoe 24 out of engagement with drum 22. It will also be observed that pin 46 will urge block 38 and the rod 36 secured thereto to the right (Fig. 4), thereby &

actuating bar 35, and consequently levers 21', 27 to the right to bring brake shoes 25 out of engagement with drum 22. By this action spring 52 is compressed, and therefore upon deenergization of solenoid 43, spring 52 will urge rod 36, and the J invention, it being understood that any other suitable braking mechanism might be employed without departing from the invention.

As shown in Fig. 1, motor 3 and pump 4 are connected by pipes 58 and 59, and fluid may be drawn into the system for makeup purposes from tank S in the usual manner through a pipe 66.

The controls of'pump 4 are adjusted from shaft 6|, which through gearing 62 and 63 are connected to the lower end of the shaft 64, the upper end of which has secured thereto a control wheel 65. Upon actuation of wheel 65 in one direction, fluid discharges from pump 4 to motor 3, through pipe 58 and returns to said pump through pipe 59. When wheel 65 is turned in the reverse direction fluid enters motor 3 through pipe 59 and is returned to the pump through pipe 58, and consequently the motor is caused to operate in the reverse direction. Shaft 64 extends through a casing standard 66, secured in any suitable manner at the lower end thereof to a deck or platform 67. Secured to and extending outwardly from the upper end of casing 66 is a bracket 68 having a substantially cylindrical open socket 69 at the outer end thereof which is normally closed by an apertured cap member I0. Extending through an aperture at the lower end of socket 69, and the aperture in cap 10, is a locking rod II. The upper end of rod II is adapted to enter a cylindrical aperture I2 provided in the vertical portion I3 of wheel 65. Mounted in socket 69 and extending between spring seats I4 and I5 is a spring I6. Spring seat I5 is secured to locking rod II by any suitable means, and consequently the spring 76 normally urges rod II upwardly causing the same to enter the aperture I2, as shown in Fig. 2. Also extending through aperture I2 from the upper end thereof is a rod 11 which is pivoted intermediate the ends of an operating lever I8. One end of lever I8 is pivoted to an ear 19 extending upwardly from wheel 65. A stop member 80, also secured to wheel 65, limits the upper movement of lever I8.

From the foregoing description it is seen that to release wheel 65 for operation lever I8 is urged downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3, causing rod TI to move locking rod H out of engagement with wheel 65.

The lower end of rod II is provided with an adjustable coupling 8| and the lower end thereof is pivotally attached to an arm 82 of a switch member 83 (Fig. 5). Switch member 83 is enclosed within a casing 84 secured in any suitable manner to the outer side of casing 66. When switch member 83 is in the position shown in Fig. 5,1001:- ing rod II has entered the aperture 12 of wheel 65, and consequently the latter is held against movement. It will also be noted that switch member 83 has closed interlocking switch 85, while the brake switch 86 provided at the lower end of casing 84 is open when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2. Upon movement of lever I8 downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3, switch 85 is opened while switch 86 is closed. The purpose of these switches will be described more fully hereinafter.

Referring to Fig. 6, electric current is supplied to the system through bus bars LI and L2. LI, it will be observed, is connected to the pole 81 of a motor starting switch 88. The other pole 89 of switch 88 is connected by a wire 90 to the pole 9I of interlocking switch 85. The other pole 92 of switch 85 is connected to one end of the coil 93 of a solenoid 94 by a wire 95. The other end of coil 93 is connected by a wire 96 to a wire 91, the latter of which is connected to a pole 98 of a stop switch 99. The other pole I68 of switch 99 is connected to bus bar L2. Wire is also connected to the central pole I9I of a switch I02 by a wire I83. The other pole I04 of switch I02 is connected. to bus bar LI by a wire I85. The operati ing arm I06 of switch I02 extends into a groove I6I provided at the outer end of the core I98 of the solenoid 94.

Bus bar LI also has connected thereto above switch 88 a wire I09 which connects it to the pole H0 of a switch III. The central pole II2 of switch III is connected to the armature II3 of electric motor 5 by a wire I I4. Wire 91 is connected to the opposite side of armature II3 by a wire H5. The shunt field coil II6 of motor 5 extends across wires H4 and H5. The operating arm II! of switch III extends into the opposite side of groove I01 of the core I98 of solenoid 94. Wire I69 is also connected to pole II8 of the brake switch 86 by a wire I I9. The other pole I 20 of switch 86 is connected to one end of the coil I2I- of the solenoid 43 by a wire I22. The other end of the coil PM is connected to the wire 91 byawire I23. 4

Switch 88, it will be observed, is of the push button type having the button I24 attached to the contact bar I25. A rod I26 secured to bar I extends through a slot in a switch bracket I21. -A spring I28 extends between an insulated bar I29, secured to bar I25, and the base of the'socket provided in bracket I21. Consequentlmwhen the operator releases push button I24, spring I28 actuates contact bar I25 to the left and out of engagement with poles 81 and 89.

Stop switch 99 is similar in construction to switch 88 except that the contact bar I30 thereof is normally urged into engagement with poles 98 and I00 by a spring I3I'. Consequently when the button I32 of switch 99 is operated bar I30 is urged out of engagement with poles 90 and I00, thereby interrupting the circuit. 7 r

The core I08 of solenoid 94 extends through an aperture provided in a guide bracket I32 having an enlarged opening I33 provided at one end thereof. A spring I34 extends into the said enlarged opening I33 and engages a spring seat I35 secured'to the outer end of core I08. 'Co-n sequently, when solenoid 94 is energized core I08 moves to the left (Fig. 6) against the pressure of spring I34. Upon deenergization of solenoid 94 spring I34 urges core I98 to the right, thereby causing opening of switches I02 and III.

The core 42 of solenoid 43 also extends through an aperture provided in the guide bracket I38 which is provided with an enlarged opening I31 at the lower end thereof. A spring I38 extends into the opening I31 and engages a spring seat I39 provided at the lower end of core 42. It therefore is seen that when core 42 has been urged upwardly upon energization of coil I2I to release the brake 23, spring I38 is placed under compression. Now when solenoid 43 is deenergized spring I38 tends to restore the core and the parts connected thereto to normal position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6. A washer I secured to core 42 limits the downward movement thereof.

From the foregoing description the operation of my invention is believed to be apparent. However, in order to correlate the various elements thereof a brief rsum of the operation of the device as a whole will now be given. I When the parts are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the control wheel 85 is locked in neutral position. The brake 23 is also applied, and as a result theoperation of fluid motor 3 and winch I is prevented. Fig. 6 shows the various switches associated with the control device in normal position and before motor 5 has been started up. To start motor 5 the operator simply closes switch 88. By this action the circuit to solenoid 94 is closed, causing the core I88 thereof to move to the left, thereby closing switches I02 and I I I. Current may now flow from bus bar LI through wire I09, switch I I I, wire II4, through motor 5, wires H5 and 91, switch 99, and bus bar L2. When switch I02 is closed, it will be observed that current from bus bar LI will continue to flow through solenoid 94 through wire I05, and switch I02. Consequently, solenoid 94 will remain in operated position, even after starting switch 88 and interlock switch 85 are subsequently opened. To condition pump 4 and motor 3, as well as the winch I, for operation,

the operator moves control lever 18 downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3. By this action locking rod 1| is disengaged from the aperture 12 of wheel 85, and the latter is released for operation. Upon turning wheel 65 the stroke controls of pump 4 are adjusted through shaft 84, gears 53 and 62, and shaft 8|. Upon movement of lever 18 downwardly, as just described, arm 82 operates switch 83, so as to open interlock switch 85 and close brake switch 89. When this occurs current will now also flow from wire I09 through switch 85, wire I22 to the coil I2I of solenoid 48, and thence to wire 91 through wire I23, causing energization of solenoid 43. The core 42 of solenoid- 43' now moves upwardly and actuates tiltable member 39, which effects movement of levers 26, 28 and 21, 21 of the braking mechanism away from each other about their pivots 20 and 29, respectively, causing brake shoes 24 and 25 'to move away from drum 22, thereby releasing fluid motor shaft 1 for operation. Now upon actuating the wheel 65 in one direction, pump 4 will actuate motor 3 in a corresponding direction, which in turn will actuate winding drum to wind in or pay out cable, as the case may be. It is also seen that when wheel 65 is turned in the reverse direction, the reverse operation of motor 3, as well as of drum I9 of winch I', is effected. So long as switch 88 remains closed, brake 23 is released. When wheel 65 assumes a neutral position spring 16 will urge looking rod 'II into the aperture 12, provided in wheel 65, and consequently the said wheel will be held against" movement until the operator again moves lever 18 downwardly. W'hen locking rod II moves upwardly, brake switch 86 is opened, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, causing deenergization of solenoid 43. -When this occurs spring 52 will be effective to apply the brake by urging levers 28, 28 and 21, 21 towards each other to bring brake shoes 24 and 25 into engagement with drum 22.

To stop motor 5, and also to interrupt the circuit to solenoids 43 and 94, the operator simply opens stop switch 99. Upon deenergization of solenoid 94 spring I34 will urge the core I08 to the right (Fig. 6), thereby opening switches I82 and III. Should brake switch 86 be closed when switch 99-is so opened, it is seen that the circuits to solenoid 43 will also be broken and consequently the brake 23 will be applied in the manner just described. Spring I38 associated with solenoid 43 also tends to restore core 42, as well as the other parts associated therewith, to normal position. I

While the embodiment herein shown and described is admirably adapted to fulfill the objects primarily stated, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited thereto, since it may be embodied in other forms, all coming within the scope of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, the combination of a winch, a hydraulic transmission for actuating said winch, control means for said transmission for controlling the operation thereof in either direction, a brake for normally preventing operation of said transmission, locking means for said control means, and means for releasing said locking means and brake, thereby conditioning said transmission for operation.

2. In a device of the class described, the combination of a winch, a hydraulic transmission for operating said winch, control means for said transmission, locking means for said control means for securing the latter in neutral position, a brake for normally preventing operation of said transmission, electric means for releasing said brake, and means for simultaneously releasing said locking means and conditioning said electric means for operation.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination of a winch, a hydraulic transmission for actuating said winch; an electric motor for operating said transmission, a brake for normally preventing operation of said transmission, electric means for releasing said brake, an electric circuit including starting and stopping switches for said electric motor, relay switches for permitting operation of said motor after said starting switch has been opened, and a. switch for controlling the operation of said electric means, and means for actuating said last mentioned switch to condition said electric means for operation.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination of a hydraulic transmission, a brake mechanism for normally preventing operation of said transmission, normally ineffective means for controlling the operation of said transmission, electric means for releasing said brake, and means for simultaneously rendering said control means effective and conditioning said electric means for operation. i

5. In a device of the class described, the combination of a hydraulic transmission, an electric motor for actuating said'transmissiom'a brake for normally preventing operation of said transmission, an electric circuit to said motor including starting and stopping switches, an interlock switch and a relay switch, said last mentioned switch enabling operation of said motor after said starting and interlock switches have been opened and a brake switch for controlling the operation of said electric means, and means for closing said brake switch causing said electric means to release said brake and thereby condition said transmission for operation.

6. In a device of the class described, the combination of a hydraulic transmission, an electric motor for operating said transmission, a brake for normally holding the said transmission against operation, control means for controlling the speed and direction of operation of said transmission, locking means for securing said control means in neutral position, an electric circuit to said motor including starting and stopping switches, an interlock switch and a relay switch, said last mentioned switch enablingoperation of said motor after said starting and interlock switches have been opened, and a brake switch for controlling the operation of said electric means, and means for simultaneously releasing said locking means and closing said brake switch to condition said transmission for opera:- tion. .i T. 1

'7. In a device of the class described, the combination of a winch, a, hydraulic transmission for actuating said winch, an electric motor foroperating said transmission, a brake for normally holding the said transmission against operation, control means for controlling the speed anddirection of 'operation of said transmis-sion,locking means for securing said control means in;neutral position, an electric circuit to said motor including starting and stopping switches, an interlock switch and a relay switch, said lastmentioned switch enabling operation of said motor after said starting and interlock switches have been opened, and a brake switch for controlling the operation of said electric means, and means for simultaneously releasing said locking means and closing said brake switch to conditionsaid transmission for operation. i 1

8. In a device of the class described, the combination of a hydraulic transmission, a brake for normally preventing operation of said transmission, means for controlling the speed and direction of operation of said transmission, locking means for securing said control means in neutral position, and means compelling release of said brake before said control means may be actuated, thereby preventing undue pressure surges in the system.

9. In a device of the class described, thecombination of a hydraulic transmission, a brake for normally preventing operation of said transmis sion, electric means for releasing said brake, a switch for controlling operation of said electric means, control means for controlling the speed and direction of operation of said transmission, locking means for securing said control means in neutral position, and means releasing said locking means and closing said switch thereby compelling the releasing of said brake before operation of said control means may be effected.

10. In a device of the class described, the combination of a winch, a hydraulic transmission for actuating said Winch, a brake for normally preventing operation of said transmission and winch, electric means for releasing said brake, a switch for controlling operation of said electric means, control means for controlling the speed and direction of operation of said transmission, locking means for securing said control means in neutral position, and means releasing said looking means and closing said switch thereby compelling the releasing of said brake before operation of said control means may be effected.

- ROBERT C. LAMOND. 

